Slayer frontman Tom Araya has been hospitalized in Sydney, forcing the band to cancel tonight's set at Soundwave Festival.

No details about Araya's injury or illness have been released, but the decision to cancel was made just moments before the band was due to hit the stage at the Sydney Showgrounds tonight, February 27th.

Just before 6pm, festival promoter AJ Maddah tweeted: "Tom Araya has been taken to hospital. Slayer set looking unlikely today " but within five minutes "unlikely" had been upgraded to a confirmation of the band's cancellation with Maddah confirming that Araya will be kept in hospital overnight, forcing the cancelation of the band's set.

Araya's unexplained illness isn't the only medical issue for Slayer at the moment. The thrash metal veterans are touring with Exodus guitarist Gary Holt standing in for regular Slayer guitarist Jeff Hanneman who is recovering from surgery on his right arm.

According to Maddah, Araya "will be OK" for Slayer's next scheduled performance at Soundwave in Melbourne on Saturday 4th March.

Araya underwent back surgery in early 2010 forcing the band to stay away from the live circuit for several months.

UPDATE

A severe ear infection is the reason Slayer's Tom Araya was hospitalised yesterday and why the band had to cancel their Sydney Soundwave slot.

Tom's wife, Sandra, told the fans on Facebook that her husband is feeling much better, but it will be a few days before the test results are back.

The iconic Slayer frontman was kept at the hospital overnight but has reportedly been released earlier today.

Yes there is because 90% of the times they aren't too good live any more any way.

Crap. He used a percentage, so his argument must be right.

Tbh it's actually 89.267% of the times

Having seen them half a dozen times, 4 in the early 90s (including hte LIve INtrusion VHS gig) and a couple times more recently, even if Slayer is a shell of their former selves live, they still are better than 90% of the other bands I've seen.